A warship and two of Australian Navy’s operational helicopters have been given a ‘red nose’ make over in support of Red Nose Day being held nationally today.
Members from HMAS Diamantina, 808 and 816 Squadrons donned the iconic red nose to help raise awareness for Sudden and Unexpected Infant Death Syndromes (SIDS).
Commanding Officer of Diamantina Lieutenant Commander Iain Hutchins said ship’s company were eager to show their support for a worthy cause.
“A number of ship’s company, myself included, have young children and understand the value of the work done by SIDS and Kids,” Lieutenant Commander Hutchins said.
“We wanted to play our part in raising awareness about this important issue.
“What better way for Navy to show their support than by putting the red nose on a warship.”
Forty members of Diamantina’s crew rallied on the upper decks to show their support alongside Fleet Base East, Sydney.
Leading Seaman Ben McNeil, a member of 816 Squadron said he was pleased to see their Seahawk helicopter in a red nose.
“The Seahawk is a serious piece of machinery, so seeing it wear a big red nose for a very worthy cause is something to behold,” Leading Seaman McNeil said.
SIDS and Kids, founded in 1977, is a not for profit organisation dedicated to the elimination of sudden and unexpected infant deaths during pregnancy, birth and childhood.
Since 1988 SIDS and Kids along with Red Nose Day have raised over $16 million towards the education and research into infant deaths.
[mappress] Press Release, June 27, 2014; Image: Australian Navy